MODEST and selfless, Andy Gibson was the heart and soul of Newcastle’s West End.

That’s why they called him Mr Scotswood.

Now family, friends, and community he served, have dedicated a day to his memory.

‘Andy’s Day’ brought Scotswood to life this weekend with playing children, raffles, stores and music.

The tribute followed 55-year-old Andy’s death earlier this month, after a short battle with cancer.

On Saturday films of the area he served and loved were shown at a fundraising barbecue, where a crowd of hundreds looked back at the 30 years of regeneration work Andy helped shape in the area.

The gathering saw former Newcastle city council leader Jeremy Beecham plant a tree in Mr Scotswood’s memory.

Speakers also took the opportunity to say some kind words, which proved effortless to find when talking about their close friend.

Local campaign Jackie Haq took the microphone and was joined in sharing memories by Michael Evans, Alice Armstrong and Vicky McNeill – one of the many youngsters Andy worked with at youth projects – who he inspired to become a youth worker in their own right.

Andy’s close friend of many years Dave Gaston, said: “Despite the sadness of Andy’s passing, there was a really upbeat atmosphere.

“The event was a celebration of Andy’s life and Scotswood, and an opportunity to show his legacy will live on.

“The regeneration he wanted for the area will continue, and families will continue to benefit from everything he has done.

“He will be missed but we will proudly keep his memory alive.” Andy’s passion for regeneration was based on his passion for people, which is why he gave so much of his time to youth projects, including a park scheme designed to help integrate youngsters from ethnic minorities into the area.

Andy died, surrounded by his loved ones at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, less than a month after he was diagnosed with throat cancer.

Initially medics hoped to be able to treat the condition, but much-loved Andy saw his condition rapidly deteriorate.

Andy’s determination to see the community he loved thrive and regenerate had seen him rise to the position of manager of the Scotswood Area Strategy.

Away from work the was a proud dad of sons Joe, 24, and Sam, 26.

The dad-of-two, of Blackhall Mill, Gateshead, was recognised by the Queen when he was awarded an MBE – an award he only accepted on behalf of the people of Scotswood.

But when he refused to travel to London to accept it, officials came to Tyneside to make the presentation. Andy’s dedication to Scotswood was never more clear than in his final journey, when he was carried to Newcastle Crematorium in a Scotswood Area Strategy transit van, rather than a hearse.

Funds raised from the Scotswood fun day, on Saturday will go towards a memorial fund.

Martin Walker, Area Programme Director at Newcastle City Council said: “Andy was a very strong presence in the area – hugely committed to Scotswood.”